Microfinance banks also want to be allowed to purchase treasury bills.

The National Association of Micro Finance Banks, NAMB, on Wednesday called on the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to include its members on the Bankers Committee.

The immediate past president of NAMB, Jethro Akun, who made the call at the association’s 4th Annual General Meeting in Lagos, said this would provide synergy between microfinance banks and their correspondent banks.

He said the CBN should also continue to subsidise the Microfinance Certification Programme for the next two years, while microfinance banks should also be allowed to purchase treasury bills directly from the CBN to help them function better.

The President-elect, Valentine Whensu, during the Executive Council meeting, pledged commitment of the officials to the progress of NAMB.

In articulating the vision for NAMB under his leadership, he said he would focus on four areas using the four pillars of Advocacy, Capacity Building, Networking and self-regulation upon which NAMB has a strong base to build.
“The NAMB must strive to be a family that achieves leadership in opportunity, impact, responsibility and vitality,” he said. “Our members should feel surrounded by leaders and colleagues who are committed, enthusiastic and among the best in their respective role. I enjoin my colleagues to work as a team in order to take the association to brighter future where members will have value.”

A Director in CBN, Olufemi Fabanwo, also called on the newly elected officers of the association to create the needed awareness for the smooth operations of MFBs.

(NAN)